I was married on Maui two months ago and it is actually more beautiful than the pictures. We stayed at Lahaina Shores Beach Resort and it was a wonderful condo to stay it our guests stayed at Aina Nalu condos and some of them shared a place so they actually ended up spending about $750.00 p/p for airfare and hotel. I don't think that 1200.00 is too much for them to spend as they will get to go on a great vacation as well as to your wedding.

I can't comment on December weather as I was there in February and the weather was perfect for 10 days.

We were actually married on South maui at Secret Cove in Makena. I would recommend that location because they rarely get rain and it was absolutely the most beautiful place I have ever seen.

Soooo I got married in November in Maui....and it was amazing! In fact, I was a little scared, but pictures can never do justice to the beauty of the tropical wonderland. I flew in 3 days before the ceremony to deal with wedding details. I visited the ceremony site and reception restaurant. The pictures online were bland in comparison to the actual locations. I was afraid of rain, also. However, my WC vowed they call it sunny Kihei for a reason. I was married on Po'olenalena Beach with the wind whipping through my veil. My reception was on the outdoor patio of the Five Palms Restaurant.

Half of my guestlist hailed from the east coast. I don't think anyone paid more than $700 RT for airfare. Even though I negotiated a group rate at 2 hotels, most of my guests were able to find vacation rentals for $100/nt and they were really nice.

Also, we rented a convertible Jeep Wrangler for the 13 days we were on the island. We took the top down as soon as we got the car. We only put it up once whilst driving through Hana...and it sprinkled a little. Otherwise, we had perfect weather the whole trip.

So sorry to hear that your site visit was disappointing! I can't help you with what Maui looks like up close and personal as I haven't been there. I am just trusting my gut that this is the place to get married! We will be there in a little over a month and when we return I promise pictures galore! For us, as far as the amount people are spending to go (which is right around what you found, for air and hotel), we're finding that most of the very important people in our lives are finding any way to make it. In fact, a lot of people found it a great excuse to see Hawaii when they may otherwise never get to. Good luck in your new planning! I'm sure you'll find the place that is meant to be!!